Police Bust Car Theft Syndicate: Three Arrested in Ondo

Ondo Police Capture Three-Man Car Theft Gang

The Ondo State Police Command has apprehended a three-man car theft syndicate specializing in using fabricated keys to steal vehicles. The suspects, identified as Temidayo Folajimi (43), Rotimi Akinsanoye (38), and Waheed Adekanmbi (51), were involved in stealing cars from various locations, dismantling them, and selling the parts in other states.

According to the Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, the syndicate operated by stealing vehicles parked outside owners’ premises or on the road. Akinsanoye, who possessed a master key, would steal the cars and deliver them to Folajimi. Folajimi then sold the vehicles to Adekanmbi, an auto parts seller in Owode Onirin, Lagos, who dismantled them for sale as spare parts.

The police investigation revealed that the stolen vehicles included two Toyota Camrys, one Honda CRV, and four Toyota Corollas (2003 and 2005 models). Two of these vehicles have been recovered, while the remaining five were dismantled and sold as spare parts. Akinsanoye confessed to stealing a total of seven vehicles, which were moved out of the state.

In response to the increasing use of tinted glass and covered license plates by criminals, the Ondo State Police Command has banned such modifications. Commissioner Afolabi emphasized that individuals found violating this directive would be arrested, and their vehicles impounded.